For the Best Incline Treadmill Look at NordicTrack's Lineup

If you're looking for the best incline treadmill, NordicTrack currently leads the pack, with three well-priced models to choose from. By providing an incline of up to 40%, the X9i, X11i and X22i give you a better leg muscle workout and a much more challenging cardio workout than you get on a regular treadmill. Plus, you also get decline capability...a huge bonus that you don't find anywhere else!

The Machines

We rank the NordicTracks as the best treadmills for walking on an incline for several reasons, and not just because they have the steepest incline versus other brands. That alone makes it interesting, but it wouldn’t be great unless other features were high quality and could back up the innovation of the steep incline.

Here are all of the important specs...

0-12 mph speed

-6-0% decline

22” x 60” running area

Wireless heart monitor

7-22" Web enabled touchscreens

iFit enabled

Reflex cushioned deck

44 workout programs

3.0-4.25 CHP continuous duty motor

300-350 lbs. user weight capacity

Folding capability

Lifetime frame, motor, deck warranty; 5 year parts; 2-3 year labor

The Buzz

There is a lot of talk about the great workout you get with NordicTrack’s Incline Trainers because of the ability to set such a steep incline – up to an impressive 40%. In fact, for a price of around $1,899 on sale for the base X9i model, you’re getting plenty of features.

Trainers and fitness buffs love the versatility of the NordicTrack Incline Trainers. They consider it the best incline treadmill because it not only has a wide range of incline settings, but also because it has decline capability that you don't find elsewhere,

It also has the popular iFit Coach technology for tracking, an endless library of fitness trainer designed workouts and the ability to run all around the world with Google maps while the machine automatically adjusts the ramp levels.

Most of the people who purchase these NordicTrack treadmills feel that it’s a very good investment, and are impressed with the versatility and the number of features and capabilities, as well as the free wireless chest strap that is included with each model for more accurate heart rate readings.

The original base model, the X7i, with a 2.75 CHP motor and 7" backlit display was discontinued in 2017. There also used to be a X15i Incline Trainer, which boasted a powerful 4.5 CHP motor and a 15 inch high-def TV....but that one was discontinued for some reason.

The Current Incline Trainer Lineup

All of the current Incline Trainers were recently redesigned, and there's one to fit every budget.

NordicTrack X9i - Base Model

The new base model is the X9i treadmill which has 3.0 CHP motor, 7" web-enabled touchscreen, incline up to 40% and decline down to -6%. You get a large, well cushioned 22" x 60" deck, 44 built in workout programs, a 300 lb. max weight capacity and up to 12 mph speed.

NordicTrack X11i - Mid-Level Model

Moving up you have the X11i treadmill, which has all of the features of the X9i, plus a more powerful 4.25 CHP motor, a 10" web-enabled touchscreen and a better warranty.

NordicTrack X22i - Top of the Line Model

At the upper end you have the advanced X22i model, the latest model to be released. This one features an industry leading 22" touch display and iFit Coach Plus technology, an enhanced version of the iFit technology found on the other incline trainers.

Prices tend to jump around, but the basic range is about $1899-$3299, depending on which model you choose.

Which Incline Treadmill Should You Choose?

Currently the X11i is looking like the best deal with a more powerful motor, larger touch screen and better warranty than the base X9i treadmill.

The only real difference between the X11i and the X22i is the screen size, and although the 22" display is a sight to behold, it's probably not worth the additional $1000 over the price of the X11i.

Are there other incline treadmills on the market? Currently, no. Almost every $500+ treadmill will incline to some extent, but even the most expensive ones top out at around 15%.

Freemotion, made by the same company that manufacturers NordicTrack, ICON Fitness, has one model...an i11.9 Incline Trainer that maxes out at 30% incline and -3% decline, falling short of the NordicTrack lineup.

No other company makes a treadmill specifically for incline/decline like NordicTrack does, which is why they have been so successful over the years.

What We Say About the Top Incline Models

Based on how many additional features you get, and how much these models have improved over the years, the NordicTrack Incline Trainers are still the best incline treadmill available, and essentially the only ones.

They offer steep incline and decline capability, iFit Coach technology and up to 44 built in workout programs, giving you plenty of variety and challenge to help you reach your fitness goals.

If incline training is something you are interested in, NordicTrack definitely has you covered with three of the best treadmills on the market today.

Again, our favorite is the mid-level X11i with its upgraded motor and larger touch screen. If you want to save a little money look at the entry level X9i. And if money is no object, consider the top of the like X22i with its amazing 22" Smart HD touch screen console.